How to Move a Kitchen Island

A kitchen with an island.
  • 3-4 hours
  • Intermediate
  • 0-50
What You'll Need
Flashlight
Screwdriver
Hammer
Electric screwdriver
Masonry screws
What You'll Need
Flashlight
Screwdriver
Hammer
Electric screwdriver
Masonry screws

A kitchen island stands away from the normal counter space. It provides an extra work surface as well as storage. If you need to move the island during a kitchen remodel, you may run into some issues. If yours contains a cooktop or sink, you may need to bring in a professional to move the gas, electrical, or plumbing lines. This article explains how you can move a basic kitchen island with no connections or lines.

Step 1 - Determine if the Kitchen Island Is Secure

A kitchen island can tip the scales at over 1,000 lbs. To make the process easier for you, first remove all of the pots, pans, plates, and drawers that are in or on the kitchen island. Then you can attempt to push the structure. To prevent it from tipping over, you will want to push near the center of the island and at a corner.

If it moves you can enlist the help of a few people to move the island. If, however, it does not move, it is secured safely to the floor.

Step 2 - Find the Anchors

In order to keep kitchen islands from moving, a builder will usually anchor them. They do this by creating a solid frame and attaching it directly to the floor. If they have the option to do so, they will fasten it to solid blocks of concrete in the floors.

Use the screwdriver and begin to take apart the kitchen island by removing the doors. The floor of the island will most likely be a thin sheet of wood which is tacked to the solid frame. Use the hammer or pry bar to lift this piece of wood off the base. Be careful to not break the wood or you will have to replace it later. With the bottom board removed, you will be able to see the solid frame and the screws holding it in place.

Step 3 - Remove the Anchors and Move the Cabinet

Use the electric screwdriver to remove the screws in the frame. If they are not moving, you may need to use an electric drill with a screwdriver bit. (The cabinet is most likely fastened to concrete.)

Make sure you remove each anchor. When you have removed all of the anchors, you can simply push the island to where you want it.

Step 4 - Secure the Kitchen Island

When you reposition the cabinet, you will need to remove tiles or other floor covering. Secure the kitchen island with the anchors. Replace the floor, drawers, and doors and use as normal. You will need to place flooring material in the section where the island used to be.